Lisandro Martinez has defended his outburst against Manchester United’s hierarchy and offered an explanation, but he stopped short of apologizing. The Argentinian says he wants to help lead United back to the summit of English and European football, and the club’s current plight has left him “hurt.”
Martinez made his comments after Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, when he took aim at the Old Trafford hierarchy over a lack of investment in the squad. United had welcomed Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but the defender felt compelled to highlight a shortage of reinforcements and competition across the pitch.
The loss in the Spanish capital extended United’s run without a win to five matches in all competitions. They now travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, sitting 13th in the table.
Martinez Responds With Statement
On Wednesday, Martinez posted a statement to his Instagram story addressing the reaction to his comments. “Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel,” he wrote.
“After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted,” he continued. “Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don’t go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.”
He added that his words reflected how much he wants to see the club compete for the biggest honours. “When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club,” Martinez wrote. “To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.”
The defender placed responsibility on the squad itself. “I know that, first and foremost, it’s us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility,” he said. He also expressed belief in his teammates, the manager and everyone working to move the club forward. “My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge.”
What He Said After The Defeat
Martinez was far more direct in his post-match remarks. “We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well,” he said.
He praised the opposition before turning to the club’s structure. “Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today. I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox].”
He also acknowledged the players’ role in the defeat. “I have to be honest, as players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night,” he said. “Tonight it is easy to [blame] the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas.”
Martinez then questioned the club’s approach to management. “You can’t keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can’t say more,” he said. He closed by looking back at the previous campaign. “Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team.”
Consequences And Uncertainty
United gave the squad a day off as part of their routine recovery after matches. Head coach Michael Carrick is set to address reporters on Friday.
Reports suggest that Martinez could face sanctions for his outburst. Sky Sports have also reported that the former Ajax defender’s future is uncertain after he criticized the Old Trafford leadership. A teammate is reported to have confronted him on the squad’s flight home.